The vertical lift mechanism travels a total of 40 metres at an average speed of 1m/s to raise the centre third of the bridge allowing vessels to pass under. To reduce maintenance and increase overall reliability, igus cable management systems were used instead of the original design’s hanging cables. These were ordered as readychains, which were assembled at the nearby igus facility and delivered read-to-fit onsite.
As you can see in the video, the igus engineers installed a number of chainflex continuous-flex cables into the E4 energy chain with heavy-duty CFXL strain relief clamps, staggered for easy access. Each cable installed, which includes CF300 and CF9 motor cables, CF34 power cables and 4-core CFLG fibre optic cables, has been extensively batch tested, also readychain comes with a 3-year warranty.
